Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 7

by Samuel Richardson

  LETTER LXVII

  MR. BELFORD, TO ROBERT LOVELACE, ESQ.THURSDAY MORNING, AUG. 3. SIX O'CLOCK.

  I have been so much employed in my own and Belton's affairs, that I couldnot come to town till last night; having contented myself with sending toMrs. Lovick, to know, from time to time, the state of the lady's health;of which I received but very indifferent accounts, owing, in a greatmeasure, to letters or advices brought her from her implacable family.

  I have now completed my own affairs; and, next week, shall go to Epsom,to endeavour to put Belton's sister into possession of his own house forhim: after which, I shall devote myself wholly to your service, and tothat of the lady.

  I was admitted to her presence last night; and found her visibly alteredfor the worse. When I went home, I had your letter of Tuesday last putinto my hands. Let me tell thee, Lovelace, that I insist upon theperformance of thy engagement to me that thou wilt not personally molesther.

  [Mr. Belford dates again on Thursday morning, ten o'clock; and gives an account of a conversation which he had just held with the Lady upon the subject of Miss Montague's letter to her, preceding, and upon Mr. Lovelace's alternatives, as mentioned in Letter LXV., which Mr. Belford supported with the utmost earnestness. But, as the result of this conversation will be found in the subsequent letters, Mr. Belford's pleas and arguments in favour of his friend, and the Lady's answers, are omitted.]